Now I live in the southwest, and the temperatures in the evening can drop below freezing, even after a lovely day in the mid 70's so I created a mini greenhouse to protect my little plants.
These are some pumpkins. I covered the bottom of the milk gallon at night with the top of it. When I empty the milk gallons I cut it in half and store it until I need it. These are reusable of course and so I find them cost effective. Knowing the ins and outs of growing will enable you to provide foods for yourself even if the weather is not the best.
Here I planted the seedlings and the nights were still a bit cold. So I used the tops to continue with the greenhouses. To hold them in place I use the skewers that you use for cooking, but you can use a stick and run it through the top into the ground, just be careful not to poke the plant.
These are pickling cucumbers.Another simple method to garden is in buckets. I gather buckets from the local fast food places(M*cDonalds, B*urger King etc.) I then have one of my sons drill 5 or six holes in the bottom and fill and plant. Buckets work great for potatoes and cucumbers, but I have even used them for my herb garden. Remember this about bucket gardens...they are mobile, if necessary.
Food is pretty important...of course so please check out my post on seeds and be sure to by heirloom seeds for your garden and storage.
Jennifer
